PIERRE, S.D. — A measure providing $1.8 million to finish a minimum-security prison in Rapid City has received approval from a South Dakota legislative panel.

The prison project broke ground last year after extended legal and political battles over where it should be located but work was halted after project funding ran dry.

The state’s Department of Corrections will provide the $1.8 million to complete construction this year. Project detractors feared that money would be taken from general state tax revenue.

The prison will be able to house more than 400 inmates. Prison officials say it is needed to house inmates from western South Dakota nearing the end of their sentences so they can take part in work-release and other programs aimed at helping them succeed once they are released.